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What the Heart Remembers Most
Fate will find a way to intervene when it’s least expected.
Jax Levine and Gretchen Mills fell madly in love in college and never looked back. They built a great life together, but careers, a baby, and years of mounting tension later, they are living separate lives and their once grand love is forgotten.
After an accident, Gretchen suffers a brain injury that erases years of her memories. She wakes in the hospital with Jax at her side and everything seems normal…except Jax won’t look her in the eye and their baby boy is now a rambunctious toddler. Every line drawn between Jax and Gretchen starts to blur while Gretchen fights to figure out which of her most haunting recollections are real, and which are fake.
Is it possible for this accident to be the second chance neither Jax nor Gretchen knew they wanted?
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Jax Levine and Gretchen Mills fell madly in love in college and never looked back. They built a great life together, but careers, a baby, and years of mounting tension later, they are living separate lives and their once grand love is forgotten.
After an accident, Gretchen suffers a brain injury that erases years of her memories. She wakes in the hospital with Jax at her side and everything seems normal…except Jax won’t look her in the eye and their baby boy is now a rambunctious toddler. Every line drawn between Jax and Gretchen starts to blur while Gretchen fights to figure out which of her most haunting recollections are real, and which are fake.
Is it possible for this accident to be the second chance neither Jax nor Gretchen knew they wanted?
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
266 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
About the author
M. Ullrich
14 books204 followersM. Ullrich is a four-time Goldie Award finalist and a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and she has been featured in The Advocate magazine. She currently resides by the New Jersey Shore, but dreams of living someplace a little less touristy and with a whole lot less road rage. When she’s not writing or working her full-time job, M. Ullrich appreciates the simple pleasures in life like breakfast foods and sweet treats, working on her artistic skills, and enjoying the company of someone who laughs at her ridiculous humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 4, 2020
“ The heart remembered so much more than the brain ever could. The heart remembered love.”
This book was Talented, Brilliant, Incredible, Amazing, Showstopping, Spectacular, Never The Same, Totally Unique, Completely Not Ever Been Done Before..
I have never cried this much over a book that didn't involve homophobia or someone dying. This had my heart in a chokehold from start to finish. Jax and Gretchen's story was extremely emotional, soulmatey, complex and really sad. I am in love with their love. I am going to be feeling the effect of the numerous emotional whiplashes for a while.
Jax and Gretchen were in the process of getting a divorce then due to a terrible accident Gretchen lost her memories of the last four years and to her, she and Jax are happily married. I know Jax and Gretchen both had their faults but still it didn't feel like that to me. Jax could be so stubborn. The way the first timeline ended, I wanted to jump in there and knock some sense into Jax for doing what she did. Then BAM! same thing but now from Jax's POV except of course it's not the same thing at all. This was a very unusual love story and a bloody a masterpiece.
This book was Talented, Brilliant, Incredible, Amazing, Showstopping, Spectacular, Never The Same, Totally Unique, Completely Not Ever Been Done Before..
I have never cried this much over a book that didn't involve homophobia or someone dying. This had my heart in a chokehold from start to finish. Jax and Gretchen's story was extremely emotional, soulmatey, complex and really sad. I am in love with their love. I am going to be feeling the effect of the numerous emotional whiplashes for a while.
Jax and Gretchen were in the process of getting a divorce then due to a terrible accident Gretchen lost her memories of the last four years and to her, she and Jax are happily married. I know Jax and Gretchen both had their faults but still it didn't feel like that to me. Jax could be so stubborn. The way the first timeline ended, I wanted to jump in there and knock some sense into Jax for doing what she did. Then BAM! same thing but now from Jax's POV except of course it's not the same thing at all. This was a very unusual love story and a bloody a masterpiece.
March 21, 2020
IT WORKED FOR ME!
I had to start off with this sentence because reading the reviews and discussing with friends who are reading this as we speak, I realized that there's a twist in the book that will either work for you or it wont! Thankfully it worked for me :)
So M. Ullrich is a good writer and I like her books because they are so different. She's one of those authors where it's rare that you would say "oh this is typical M. Ullrich".. And this specific read is definitely not typical! I was very interested in the blurb and when I finished this book I was happy that I chose it!
This is a book about second chances with a twist, it's not an easy read because it's about marriage and the difficulties you face in long term relationships and in real life in general!
It's a very emotional read as I mentioned before, not easy :) But I really ended up enjoying this because it's very twisted. I don't want to give spoilers here but a I am going to give a tip: please concentrate with timelines, and if you get stuck thinking there is an error, no it is not..
I recommend this book if you're in the mood for an emotional roller coaster, if you're in the mood to think and re-think and try to solve a puzzle while reading :)
My rating is a 4.5 rounded up to 5 and I received an ARC for an honest review.
I had to start off with this sentence because reading the reviews and discussing with friends who are reading this as we speak, I realized that there's a twist in the book that will either work for you or it wont! Thankfully it worked for me :)
So M. Ullrich is a good writer and I like her books because they are so different. She's one of those authors where it's rare that you would say "oh this is typical M. Ullrich".. And this specific read is definitely not typical! I was very interested in the blurb and when I finished this book I was happy that I chose it!
This is a book about second chances with a twist, it's not an easy read because it's about marriage and the difficulties you face in long term relationships and in real life in general!
It's a very emotional read as I mentioned before, not easy :) But I really ended up enjoying this because it's very twisted. I don't want to give spoilers here but a I am going to give a tip: please concentrate with timelines, and if you get stuck thinking there is an error, no it is not..
I recommend this book if you're in the mood for an emotional roller coaster, if you're in the mood to think and re-think and try to solve a puzzle while reading :)
My rating is a 4.5 rounded up to 5 and I received an ARC for an honest review.
June 9, 2020
This is my third angst-filled book in a row (must be something in the air) but this one tops them. In fact, this might be my best read of the year so far. Jax is called to the hospital because her soon-to-be ex-wife has had an accident and is in a coma. Gretchen was leaving the office and slipped on some ice. Their relationship has been deteriorating for the last four years but was getting steadily more acrimonious. When she finally awakens from her coma, Gretchen seems to have quite a few memories missing, including the first three years of their son’s life.
This is superb. It’s clever, unexpected, engaging and heart-wrenching. No more needs to be said except: read it.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is superb. It’s clever, unexpected, engaging and heart-wrenching. No more needs to be said except: read it.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 30, 2020
Deja Vu.
Jax and Gretchen are separated and headed toward a divorce until Jax gets a phone call that Gretchen has had an accident and is in the hospital. The situation rattles Jax and has her thinking about the past and how things used to be between them. When Gretchen comes to, she is unable to recall the past few years of her life.
I'm a sucker for anything amnesia. There is nothing better than the anticipation of if and when those memories are going to come back. But this book wasn't about that and it made it a unique experience.
This book was strongest when Jax was struggling with her thoughts and emotions while Gretchen was still in a coma. It tugged at my heart strings and already had me hoping that the two of them could find their way back to each other at some point. But as the book progressed along, we were provided insight to just how bad it had gotten. The terrible things they said/did to each other pre-hospital made me like both of them less.
When you have a story about people who were so right together but then so wrong, it is a hard balancing act to make you want to root for them to find each other again. I wanted to feel like 'Yeah, that was mean, but look at how much she really loves her.' I didn't get that at all. I got 'They hated each other so much that it was irreparable.'
This had a weird timeline. It was on purpose and I applaud the author for trying something really experimental and different. I just wish that it would have worked for me more. What it came down to was that there was too much repetitiveness and I never fully understood what happened. I felt like it was missing some explanation that would have pulled it all together.
The writing was good. There was a good amount of angst. The overall concept was creative.
This would be good for people who like to read about family drama, separation, divorce, raising kids, custody issues, accidents, amnesia, second chances, and deja vu.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Jax and Gretchen are separated and headed toward a divorce until Jax gets a phone call that Gretchen has had an accident and is in the hospital. The situation rattles Jax and has her thinking about the past and how things used to be between them. When Gretchen comes to, she is unable to recall the past few years of her life.
I'm a sucker for anything amnesia. There is nothing better than the anticipation of if and when those memories are going to come back. But this book wasn't about that and it made it a unique experience.
This book was strongest when Jax was struggling with her thoughts and emotions while Gretchen was still in a coma. It tugged at my heart strings and already had me hoping that the two of them could find their way back to each other at some point. But as the book progressed along, we were provided insight to just how bad it had gotten. The terrible things they said/did to each other pre-hospital made me like both of them less.
When you have a story about people who were so right together but then so wrong, it is a hard balancing act to make you want to root for them to find each other again. I wanted to feel like 'Yeah, that was mean, but look at how much she really loves her.' I didn't get that at all. I got 'They hated each other so much that it was irreparable.'
This had a weird timeline. It was on purpose and I applaud the author for trying something really experimental and different. I just wish that it would have worked for me more. What it came down to was that there was too much repetitiveness and I never fully understood what happened. I felt like it was missing some explanation that would have pulled it all together.
The writing was good. There was a good amount of angst. The overall concept was creative.
This would be good for people who like to read about family drama, separation, divorce, raising kids, custody issues, accidents, amnesia, second chances, and deja vu.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
I never know what to expect when I pick up a book written by M. Ullrich. I went into this read knowing one character had suffered a traumatic brain injury and assumed by the blurb that the amnesia angle would resolve resulting in reconciliation or heartbreak for Jax and Gretchen. With Ullrich you can never be sure.
What the Heart Remembers Most is anything but predictable. Halfway through the book I was unsettled and confused and questioning what was real and what I had missed. Kudos to the author for complicating what could have been just another amnesia/second chance romance.
This is a full on angst filled drama which pulls you in and makes you choose sides in a failing marriage. I was impressed with the way the book is structured. It jarred my sense of what was happening and forced me to change allegiance in who I felt was at fault for the disintegration of a once loving relationship. This is not a fluffy read. It's raw and cruel at times. Jax wears her emotions like a shield, a battered warrior unable to take more abuse yet fully aware of the love she once had for Gretchen. Gretchen has no idea what has caused the rift between her and Jax and little understanding of this now cold and distant woman she still loves.
If you are tired of cookie cutter romances then this is a must read. When I read the last page I went back and started rereading the book from the beginning to better understand some of the conversations I glossed over in my initial read. Clever, challenging book.
4.5 Stars
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
What the Heart Remembers Most is anything but predictable. Halfway through the book I was unsettled and confused and questioning what was real and what I had missed. Kudos to the author for complicating what could have been just another amnesia/second chance romance.
This is a full on angst filled drama which pulls you in and makes you choose sides in a failing marriage. I was impressed with the way the book is structured. It jarred my sense of what was happening and forced me to change allegiance in who I felt was at fault for the disintegration of a once loving relationship. This is not a fluffy read. It's raw and cruel at times. Jax wears her emotions like a shield, a battered warrior unable to take more abuse yet fully aware of the love she once had for Gretchen. Gretchen has no idea what has caused the rift between her and Jax and little understanding of this now cold and distant woman she still loves.
If you are tired of cookie cutter romances then this is a must read. When I read the last page I went back and started rereading the book from the beginning to better understand some of the conversations I glossed over in my initial read. Clever, challenging book.
4.5 Stars
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
April 11, 2020
I quite liked this emotional journey and found it hard to put down. I really enjoy this author. My only complaint was the ending. When we find out the main reason for Gretchen working so much it's so quick, barely a conversation, and really irked me that this was not communicated to Jax throughout. 17 years and you aren't fully clear about this? Just made me shake my head abit. But overall, excellent read, I liked the "Groundhog's Day" twist. Would recommend.
April 2, 2020
This is a hard book to rate. If it were a movie, it would be a loose mixture of ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘Groundhog Day’. Amnesia as an enabler of a second chance in an almost failed long term relationship. It is an ambitious book, hard to write, I imagine, but also sometimes difficult to follow.
Jax Levine and Gretchen Mills were a happily married couple until career ambitions, a baby and frequent rows pushed them apart. Days before filing for divorce, Gretchen suffered an accident that left her with brain damage. The injury erased recent years of her memories leaving her with just the recollection of happier times. Will Gretchen’s transformation give them a second chance at love? Can Jax open her heart again after suffering so much?
I like that Ms. Ullrich deviated from the normal lesfic romance comfort zone to explore difficult issues such as bereavement, long-term relationship challenges, and mental health. The theme of amnesia and second chances has been used before but here there is an added twist which makes it different from other second chance lesbian romance novels. I don’t want to give too much away but let me say that the timeline is essential to this novel, so much so, that most of the chapters’ titles state a precise point in the story chronology. I’m not sure if this was a helpful guide or a distraction. For me, it was the latter but it might be helpful to other readers.
What is certain is that this is an emotional roller coaster, full of angst and drama. I admit it’s not my favourite kind of book but the characters were so lovable and vulnerable that it made it easy to get into. Ms. Ullrich takes her time to develop the story, with small details that seemed apparently unimportant but later gained crucial relevance.
Gretchen’s brain seems to play tricks on her but also on the reader. Because of the nature of the plot, there is an inevitable duplication of scenes that play an important role in the story but also sometimes feel repetitive. For this reason, I felt that even though the execution wasn’t perfect, the novel was engaging and kept me entertained. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jax Levine and Gretchen Mills were a happily married couple until career ambitions, a baby and frequent rows pushed them apart. Days before filing for divorce, Gretchen suffered an accident that left her with brain damage. The injury erased recent years of her memories leaving her with just the recollection of happier times. Will Gretchen’s transformation give them a second chance at love? Can Jax open her heart again after suffering so much?
I like that Ms. Ullrich deviated from the normal lesfic romance comfort zone to explore difficult issues such as bereavement, long-term relationship challenges, and mental health. The theme of amnesia and second chances has been used before but here there is an added twist which makes it different from other second chance lesbian romance novels. I don’t want to give too much away but let me say that the timeline is essential to this novel, so much so, that most of the chapters’ titles state a precise point in the story chronology. I’m not sure if this was a helpful guide or a distraction. For me, it was the latter but it might be helpful to other readers.
What is certain is that this is an emotional roller coaster, full of angst and drama. I admit it’s not my favourite kind of book but the characters were so lovable and vulnerable that it made it easy to get into. Ms. Ullrich takes her time to develop the story, with small details that seemed apparently unimportant but later gained crucial relevance.
Gretchen’s brain seems to play tricks on her but also on the reader. Because of the nature of the plot, there is an inevitable duplication of scenes that play an important role in the story but also sometimes feel repetitive. For this reason, I felt that even though the execution wasn’t perfect, the novel was engaging and kept me entertained. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
I am still coming down from my emotional high from this book. What a phenomenal story!
So it's 2 am and I've just finished What the Heart Remembers Most, and I am sobbing while typing up my review notes in my phone… Why? Because this book broke me and then put me back together again.
M. Ullrich is a favourite of mine because of her out of the box writing and her ability to wreak havoc on my poor heart, but by the end, making me feel emotionally sated. It's a tricky combination that she just gets right, every time. This book is above all others in that regard.
I felt so much for Gretchen when she wakes from a harrowing accident to find out that her life is no longer what she remembers. The woman she is devastatingly in love with is no longer hers. Every moment when Gretchen would learn something new and hurtful about her relationship with Jax, the further her heart broke, and as the reader, I felt like I was on that journey with her. I kept crying during these scenes because I felt what she was feeling. It was scary but intoxicating at the same time. I couldn't put the book down.
Jax, I just wanted to hug and tell her everything would be ok. She was a beautiful soul that got lost just as much as Gretchen had. I kept shouting in my head to the book "You are both meant for each other! COMMUNICATE!" But they didn't hear my woe's.
This is where I need to watch what I say next because with every M. Ullrich book there are big twists and extensive turns and trust me you do not want me to spoil Jax and Gretchen's Journey for you. I will say this Gretchen and Jax are soul mates and if you are a romantic like me, then they deserve your time because no other couple deserve the Happy Ever After like they do.
The chemistry between Jax and Gretchen is different from normal books because you're seeing them after seventeen years together. They have an underlying connection that you know is there but don't see until Gretchen wakes up. It's obvious that these two have chemistry and when they do hit the sheets, they set them on fire, but it's the unspoken connection that really had me glued to the page. The love that conquers the hurt. Now that was unbelievable.
Like I said, I am a massive M. Ullrich fan, and I typically rate her books five stars because I love her writing. But one book has always been at the top of the list, and that's Life in Death. Her other books have come close too but never quite get top billing like Life in Death does. Well, that my friends has just happened because What the Heart Remembers Most is standing toe to toe with it, fighting for top spot. In fact, it's probably at the top. Go do yourself a favour and grab this book… You can thank me later!
Star Rating:
5 stars
So it's 2 am and I've just finished What the Heart Remembers Most, and I am sobbing while typing up my review notes in my phone… Why? Because this book broke me and then put me back together again.
M. Ullrich is a favourite of mine because of her out of the box writing and her ability to wreak havoc on my poor heart, but by the end, making me feel emotionally sated. It's a tricky combination that she just gets right, every time. This book is above all others in that regard.
I felt so much for Gretchen when she wakes from a harrowing accident to find out that her life is no longer what she remembers. The woman she is devastatingly in love with is no longer hers. Every moment when Gretchen would learn something new and hurtful about her relationship with Jax, the further her heart broke, and as the reader, I felt like I was on that journey with her. I kept crying during these scenes because I felt what she was feeling. It was scary but intoxicating at the same time. I couldn't put the book down.
Jax, I just wanted to hug and tell her everything would be ok. She was a beautiful soul that got lost just as much as Gretchen had. I kept shouting in my head to the book "You are both meant for each other! COMMUNICATE!" But they didn't hear my woe's.
This is where I need to watch what I say next because with every M. Ullrich book there are big twists and extensive turns and trust me you do not want me to spoil Jax and Gretchen's Journey for you. I will say this Gretchen and Jax are soul mates and if you are a romantic like me, then they deserve your time because no other couple deserve the Happy Ever After like they do.
The chemistry between Jax and Gretchen is different from normal books because you're seeing them after seventeen years together. They have an underlying connection that you know is there but don't see until Gretchen wakes up. It's obvious that these two have chemistry and when they do hit the sheets, they set them on fire, but it's the unspoken connection that really had me glued to the page. The love that conquers the hurt. Now that was unbelievable.
Like I said, I am a massive M. Ullrich fan, and I typically rate her books five stars because I love her writing. But one book has always been at the top of the list, and that's Life in Death. Her other books have come close too but never quite get top billing like Life in Death does. Well, that my friends has just happened because What the Heart Remembers Most is standing toe to toe with it, fighting for top spot. In fact, it's probably at the top. Go do yourself a favour and grab this book… You can thank me later!
Star Rating:
5 stars
March 4, 2020
I was really excited for this book. Since reading Life in Death I’ve placed the author in my must-read-authors list. What the Heart Remember Most is one of those stories that will keep you glued, plenty of drama, a bit of mystery, you would try to guess what’s gonna happen next, you’d think you have predicted the outcome then you scratch your head coz you’re wrong, you’d think it’s building up to something, that it’s going to a definite route, but then it’s not. Not yet. you’d start to think maybe it’s not the kind of romance that will have a typical HEA. Will they end up together or will they not? Shall I give up hope on them? My loyal heart can’t take third parties so the Meredith part was kind of upsetting for me. But it all worked out in the end. Interesting story. Prepare yourself for a mental and emotional calisthenics. You’d get confused, you’d get frustrated, but it will make you believe in ‘forever’.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 26, 2020
Exquisitely engaging due to the story and the writing. As a result of reading some of the reviews prior, I knew something unique was going to happen and I was not disappointed. It took me a moment or two or three but I got it. Yeah, me! Chapter headings were very helpful as well as the slight use of word change.
This is a read about Gretchen Mills, Occupational Therapist, wife, mother, and to some extent has lost her way in life and in her marriage. Jacqueline Levine, Graphic Designer, wife, mother, and to some extent is unsure how to move forward in her life without her wife. Gretchen and Jax are living separate lives with the help of Amanda (Gretchen's sister) and Meredith (nanny to Caleb). Together, yet apart, they care for their son. Gretchen suffers a brain injury after an accident. The story unfolds with pain, disagreement, uncertainty, healing, and a reflection on what is important in life. While reading I thought about the value and importance of surrounding yourself with people that care about you especially when life throws you the unexpected. Who will be there when you open your eyes.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
This is a read about Gretchen Mills, Occupational Therapist, wife, mother, and to some extent has lost her way in life and in her marriage. Jacqueline Levine, Graphic Designer, wife, mother, and to some extent is unsure how to move forward in her life without her wife. Gretchen and Jax are living separate lives with the help of Amanda (Gretchen's sister) and Meredith (nanny to Caleb). Together, yet apart, they care for their son. Gretchen suffers a brain injury after an accident. The story unfolds with pain, disagreement, uncertainty, healing, and a reflection on what is important in life. While reading I thought about the value and importance of surrounding yourself with people that care about you especially when life throws you the unexpected. Who will be there when you open your eyes.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
April 6, 2020
I really didn't think that I'd be this captivated when I started reading the book.
Even after all the reviews I read.
And there were a lot of 'em.
This book reinforced my belief that love needs to be nurtured. Always. Coz love loses it's potential if it's being taken for granted and ignored. Even backed with a history of 15+ years of relationship.
Though it doesn't take away the fact that I wanted to smack Jax in the back of her head for being such a dumbass in various instances. I mean really? The Nanny ?!
Even after all the reviews I read.
And there were a lot of 'em.
This book reinforced my belief that love needs to be nurtured. Always. Coz love loses it's potential if it's being taken for granted and ignored. Even backed with a history of 15+ years of relationship.
Though it doesn't take away the fact that I wanted to smack Jax in the back of her head for being such a dumbass in various instances. I mean really? The Nanny ?!
Read
July 14, 2024DNF
Shacking up with the twelve-years-younger nanny one month after you break up with your partner of 15 years?! I have secondhand embarrassment for you, Jax. What a fucking cliché!
Okay, I’m doing what I never do and calling quits on this book at the 46% mark. At least for now because I admittedly have a problem and I just can’t quit books, but this is sparking no joy. I don’t want to root for Jax and Gretchen’s reconciliation, even if M Ullrich can pull it off. And it actually started off well, imo. I read a sample and decided it was worth continuing. That feeling went away very quickly.
Jax is garbage and I hate her. And Gretchen just isn’t interesting.
I don’t rate books I don’t finish, but I’m tempted to hate-rate this one star just because.
Shacking up with the twelve-years-younger nanny one month after you break up with your partner of 15 years?! I have secondhand embarrassment for you, Jax. What a fucking cliché!
Okay, I’m doing what I never do and calling quits on this book at the 46% mark. At least for now because I admittedly have a problem and I just can’t quit books, but this is sparking no joy. I don’t want to root for Jax and Gretchen’s reconciliation, even if M Ullrich can pull it off. And it actually started off well, imo. I read a sample and decided it was worth continuing. That feeling went away very quickly.
Jax is garbage and I hate her. And Gretchen just isn’t interesting.
I don’t rate books I don’t finish, but I’m tempted to hate-rate this one star just because.
May 26, 2020
4.75 stars..... Literally did not sleep until I finished it.
March 14, 2020
M Ullirch has really thrown a curve ball with What The Heart Remembers Most. As an author, she certainly doesn't have a "type", with each of her novels being completely different from each other. She also assumes a level of intelligence among her readership with this book.
From the beginning, immediately I noticed that each chapter began with a time stamp, which I knew would come to be important. At the midpoint, the story goes back in time a few days and I thought maybe we were going to get the viewpoint of the second MC as the events unfolded, but it wasn't really that. I'm not really sure what happened. There's some difficult subject matter in the unfolding of the history between Gretchen and Jax, and I admire the decision to include that.
This couldn't have been an easy book to write, or to live through while writing. And it's definitely a book that requires a recovery period after reading.
From the beginning, immediately I noticed that each chapter began with a time stamp, which I knew would come to be important. At the midpoint, the story goes back in time a few days and I thought maybe we were going to get the viewpoint of the second MC as the events unfolded, but it wasn't really that. I'm not really sure what happened. There's some difficult subject matter in the unfolding of the history between Gretchen and Jax, and I admire the decision to include that.
This couldn't have been an easy book to write, or to live through while writing. And it's definitely a book that requires a recovery period after reading.
April 11, 2020
What the Heart Remembers Most by M. Ullrich is the kind of novel that will send your emotions on a roller coaster ride. This is the story of a couple who fell in love in college, got married, had a child, and then slowly let their careers and life tear them apart. At the beginning of this tale, they are in the middle of a messy divorce. Then fate steps in with a near death experience that includes a partial memory loss in one character, and suddenly there is a chance…maybe, to love again. It’s a hard road, though, filled with lots of hurt and anger.
Ms. Ullrich has written a beautiful romance with this book that delves into how a loving couple can end up almost destroying their love through neglect and lack of communication. This is an angst ridden story that will pull at your heartstrings so hard you may hear them protest the harsh treatment, but don’t let that stop you from reading this book. It is beautifully written with characters you can easily connect with because they are so human. It discusses some very real circumstances that many of us have or will experience in our own lives, and it does have an uplifting message to share.
I’m glad I chose to read this novel, and I can easily recommend it to all who love a great angsty romance. Just be prepared with a box of tissue nearby…make that two boxes just in case.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
Ms. Ullrich has written a beautiful romance with this book that delves into how a loving couple can end up almost destroying their love through neglect and lack of communication. This is an angst ridden story that will pull at your heartstrings so hard you may hear them protest the harsh treatment, but don’t let that stop you from reading this book. It is beautifully written with characters you can easily connect with because they are so human. It discusses some very real circumstances that many of us have or will experience in our own lives, and it does have an uplifting message to share.
I’m glad I chose to read this novel, and I can easily recommend it to all who love a great angsty romance. Just be prepared with a box of tissue nearby…make that two boxes just in case.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
March 3, 2020
So first off I would like to thank Netgalley and Bold Strokes books for providing me with the arc in return for my honest opinion. As many that have read any of my reviews I tend to stay away from telling what the book is about but rather stick to if I liked it or not. So I have read a couple of other of Ullrich's books and I follow her. I had read the blurb for this book and thought it looked like it would be interesting so tried for the Arc. The book grabs you from the start and is time based on the chapters starting from the accident time. It cruises right along and keeps your interest up nicely and than all of a sudden you get a big HUH???? moment..it was more than a moment..I thought maybe it was a error or I was missing something and took more than a few pages to grasp what was going on. It's not what I was expecting and frankly I did not think this plot change was going to work for me. I kept thinking that for a while and then it just did? You need to read it. Overall I really enjoyed the book and it kept me thinking pretty much right up to the end. All the characters were for the most part likeable. Do not hesitate to pick this up as it has a little bit of mystery and I was not thinking I would see that. 4 plus stars
June 5, 2020
I've not written a review in a long time. Although this is not a comprehensive one, I felt compelled to put my opinion out there and say that... Jax. Is. Trash. and her attitude in some scenarios didn't make sense or they were overblown. I frankly disliked her character and she spoilt the book for me which started off really good with Gretchen's POV. JMO, I would've also not chosen Gretchen as the name of this character for reasons (those who know, know why). I wanted to like this as it portrays a rare interracial lesbian couple and Black MC but I really don't get the high ratings for this book. To each their own.
October 11, 2020
I keep trying and trying to connect with the characters but couldn’t deal with the mess they both had. I found myself skimming through it. But if you like the blurb give it try might be your cup of tea or coffee whatever you like most :)
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of this book.
March 3, 2020
When Gretchen wakes up in the hospital after a terrible accident, she thinks it's the 4th of July and her son is only a year old. She's lost the memories of the last four years, ones where she and her wife Jax are on the brink of divorce after years of fighting. Jax remembers every lonely evening and every harsh word, but for Gretchen she's every bit in love with Jax as when they first got together seventeen years ago. Will this accident be a chance for them to rebuild their family? Or is it gone forever, just like Gretchen's memories?
I have loved the memory loss trope since I was a teenager and I read Mirror Image by Sandra Brown so by the synopsis, and the fact it was written by M. Ullrich, I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book. I wasn't prepared for how much this book was going to blow my mind and how much I was going to love it. It's one of the best books I've ever read. I got my heart broken, I fell in love, and I felt like I was going a little insane. The characters were written so beautifully and the depth of their emotions was something very tangible to the reader. The raw anger and sadness Jax felt mixed with Gretchen's confusion and pure love for Jax was really something else. The chemistry between Jax and Gretchen was amazing as well. I loved witnessing their relationship in present time, but also through letters they once wrote to each other.
This is one of those books I would bring to a desert island if I were only allowed 10 books to read for the rest of my life.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved the memory loss trope since I was a teenager and I read Mirror Image by Sandra Brown so by the synopsis, and the fact it was written by M. Ullrich, I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy this book. I wasn't prepared for how much this book was going to blow my mind and how much I was going to love it. It's one of the best books I've ever read. I got my heart broken, I fell in love, and I felt like I was going a little insane. The characters were written so beautifully and the depth of their emotions was something very tangible to the reader. The raw anger and sadness Jax felt mixed with Gretchen's confusion and pure love for Jax was really something else. The chemistry between Jax and Gretchen was amazing as well. I loved witnessing their relationship in present time, but also through letters they once wrote to each other.
This is one of those books I would bring to a desert island if I were only allowed 10 books to read for the rest of my life.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2021
There was too much angst in this book for me to really enjoy it. I don't think I really brought the scenario nor how the story played out. Disappointing as MU is one of my go to authors.
March 26, 2020
I really enjoyed What the Heart Remembers Most. It seems that the big question is if the huge twist in the book works for me or not. Well, i guess it did. I must admit I was confused for a handful of pages but I got use to it rather quickly and was happy for the twist. So that is why I said I guess.
This is a second chance romance and also a romance featuring an interracial couple (that made me extra giddy). Jax and Gretchen have been together since college and 20 years later they are getting a divorce. Jax now lives separately and is in a relationship and Gretchen is a work-a-holic. Gretchen has an accident leaving work and loses the last 3 years of her memory.
So this for sure was a very emotional read. Both Jax and Gretchen were very likable characters and I found myself rooting for them. Both characters seem to have there set of issues though we really see Jax issues and have to figure out what is going on with Gretchen. That did not bother me at all because Ullrich was able to bring it all together in the end. I must admit sometimes I get a little bored with a book if there is way to much inner dialogue. I found What the Heart Remembers Most has a very good balance of inner dialogue and actual conversations. This for sure is one of the better books i have read this year.
I rate this one 4.5 stars
This ARC was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance and also a romance featuring an interracial couple (that made me extra giddy). Jax and Gretchen have been together since college and 20 years later they are getting a divorce. Jax now lives separately and is in a relationship and Gretchen is a work-a-holic. Gretchen has an accident leaving work and loses the last 3 years of her memory.
So this for sure was a very emotional read. Both Jax and Gretchen were very likable characters and I found myself rooting for them. Both characters seem to have there set of issues though we really see Jax issues and have to figure out what is going on with Gretchen. That did not bother me at all because Ullrich was able to bring it all together in the end. I must admit sometimes I get a little bored with a book if there is way to much inner dialogue. I found What the Heart Remembers Most has a very good balance of inner dialogue and actual conversations. This for sure is one of the better books i have read this year.
I rate this one 4.5 stars
This ARC was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
What an interesting story.
A good length revolving on love and second chances.
The angst were annoying at times but also reflectively realistic with respect to couple fights. And the second chance aspects had me contemplating...I sure will be rereading this in the future.
A good length revolving on love and second chances.
The angst were annoying at times but also reflectively realistic with respect to couple fights. And the second chance aspects had me contemplating...I sure will be rereading this in the future.
November 22, 2020
Oh that twist... that kind of surprised me but also kept me going. Actually this book got me hooked from the start.
At some points in the book, i felt like Jax and Gretchen were better living seperately. And i'm still thinking like that at the end of the book. Maybe, I have a doubt feeling in second chance relationship? I'm not sure if i can see my partner the same way again after everything going on... oh well, that just my insecurity feeling in relationship.
But the story is great. I enjoyed it very much. And the twist.. really got me by surprised. And i enjoyed it very much. Though i hope the end was something more excited or in the different way.
At some points in the book, i felt like Jax and Gretchen were better living seperately. And i'm still thinking like that at the end of the book. Maybe, I have a doubt feeling in second chance relationship? I'm not sure if i can see my partner the same way again after everything going on... oh well, that just my insecurity feeling in relationship.
But the story is great. I enjoyed it very much. And the twist.. really got me by surprised. And i enjoyed it very much. Though i hope the end was something more excited or in the different way.
February 1, 2021
Gretchen Mills has a fall, is badly hurt and is hospitalised. Her emergency contact is her wife Jax Levine. However, Jax and Gretchen are estranged and in the process of getting divorced. A month after moving out of their house and out of a relationship of almost a decade and a half, Jax is already involved with a younger woman (and the nanny of Jax and Gretchen’s son), Meredith. Responding to the call, Jax goes to the hospital where Gretchen is admitted. When Jax and Gretchen’s sister Amanda arrive, Gretchen is in coma. She is kept in a medically induced coma for a while as she has hurt her head and the brain needs time to repair itself.
When Gretchen revives, she has amnesia – she has no recollection of the past four years of her life. In her reality, she and Jax are deeply in love, her son is a baby, her relationship with Amanda is not so great and her estranged mother is alive. She tries to grapple with what new life she’s woken into – Jax is at best a reluctant presence at her bedside, her son is a hyperactive toddler, Amanda is fiercely protective and the strongest anchor she has and her mother has been dead for two years.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
When Gretchen revives, she has amnesia – she has no recollection of the past four years of her life. In her reality, she and Jax are deeply in love, her son is a baby, her relationship with Amanda is not so great and her estranged mother is alive. She tries to grapple with what new life she’s woken into – Jax is at best a reluctant presence at her bedside, her son is a hyperactive toddler, Amanda is fiercely protective and the strongest anchor she has and her mother has been dead for two years.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 11, 2020
I am the type of reader that reads a book cover to cover because you never know what gem, surprise, or anecdote the author may slip in seemingly unnoticed. While reading the Acknowledgments portion before Chapter 1 the author states, “from concept to final product, this was a long and bumpy road.” Gretchen and Jax’s journey is exactly just that. Gretchen’s road to recovery from a traumatic brain injury is devastating for both women and we carry their weight of heaviness throughout the first half of the book. However, the author skillfully meanders the plot for us to see each woman’s POV and how they interpret or misinterpret the growing chasm that is slowly becoming the demise of their marriage right before the accident. I found myself not necessarily switching sides, per say. I gradually became very aware of how human and flawed both women are while also observing how strong theIr devotion to love can be to overcome such bad behavior. Moreover, the message of hope becomes the harbor in their storm. I encourage you to read the entirety of the Acknowledgements as it the perfect summary of this marvelous journey that two souls undertake to weather one hell of a storm. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2020
I don’t know where to start. The book is a roller coaster of emotions, be aware. Sometimes I had to take breaks because I felt myself becoming emotional... hate to admit it but i shed a tear or two. Probably because I can relate to the main characters. I know too well that life can get ahead of us.
The twist did bother me a little bit, but the story was good enough that I went along with it. So it’s a 4 stars.
Thank you for your review Bethany because otherwise I don't think I would've read this book.
Again, sorry if there are mistakes in my review, english is not my first language.
The twist did bother me a little bit, but the story was good enough that I went along with it. So it’s a 4 stars.
Thank you for your review Bethany because otherwise I don't think I would've read this book.
Again, sorry if there are mistakes in my review, english is not my first language.
April 5, 2020
What. A. Ride.
I’m not gonna say more because I couldn’t explain without giving away details that you have to find out by yourself. What I can say is that if you are looking for a roller coaster full of emotions and I-wanna-slap-a-character moments (all directed to Jax in my case), read this one and get ready because I still want to hug Gretchen
I’m not gonna say more because I couldn’t explain without giving away details that you have to find out by yourself. What I can say is that if you are looking for a roller coaster full of emotions and I-wanna-slap-a-character moments (all directed to Jax in my case), read this one and get ready because I still want to hug Gretchen
March 24, 2020
Gretchen Mills thought she had it all. That was until the unthinkable happened. Her wife, after being together for 17 years just ups and leaves. She didn’t need Jax anymore, her and their son will be fine. She has her work that, to anyone looking on would assume she loves, seeing as she spends as much time as possible at her office. Making the extra money was just one of the perks.
Jax Levine shared her life with the love of her life, Gretchen and of course their young son. When Gretchen started practically living at her office Jax thought it would just be while Gretchen’s office was working on a new project but it soon became obvious that Gretchen would rather be at work instead of being with Jax.
The divorce process was coming to an end. All that was left to do was sign the papers. They would share their son and try to stay out of each other's way. Jax had moved on, she had a girlfriend but truth be known she still loved Gretchen. The same day she gets the divorce papers, needing her signature, she gets a call telling her she was still listed as Gretchen’s person to call in case of an emergency. Apparently Gretchen fell down the stairs at work and was now in serious condition with a head injury. She can’t remember a thing, you know like the fact that she and Jax were not together any more. In the meantime she couldn’t be left alone so it becomes Jax’s and Gretchen's sister's job to help her get her life back on track. But for the life of her she just can’t figure out what’s wrong with Jax. Did she really want a divorce? And why was Jax trying to avoid her?
I’ve had the pleasure of reading Ms Ullrich books and enjoying them all. Her stories always have a nice pace with just enough little twists and turns to make this book another one, you will have a hard time putting down. Very, very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Jax Levine shared her life with the love of her life, Gretchen and of course their young son. When Gretchen started practically living at her office Jax thought it would just be while Gretchen’s office was working on a new project but it soon became obvious that Gretchen would rather be at work instead of being with Jax.
The divorce process was coming to an end. All that was left to do was sign the papers. They would share their son and try to stay out of each other's way. Jax had moved on, she had a girlfriend but truth be known she still loved Gretchen. The same day she gets the divorce papers, needing her signature, she gets a call telling her she was still listed as Gretchen’s person to call in case of an emergency. Apparently Gretchen fell down the stairs at work and was now in serious condition with a head injury. She can’t remember a thing, you know like the fact that she and Jax were not together any more. In the meantime she couldn’t be left alone so it becomes Jax’s and Gretchen's sister's job to help her get her life back on track. But for the life of her she just can’t figure out what’s wrong with Jax. Did she really want a divorce? And why was Jax trying to avoid her?
I’ve had the pleasure of reading Ms Ullrich books and enjoying them all. Her stories always have a nice pace with just enough little twists and turns to make this book another one, you will have a hard time putting down. Very, very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
May 2, 2020
This was a very powerful story. Gretchen and Jax had been together for seventeen years. Thirteen of those years were happy and loving. The last four years were unhappy and constantly fighting to the point of Jax moving out and leaving Gretchen and Caleb (their four year old son) living at their home and Jax having a relationship with Caleb’s nanny Meredith.
Gretchen had an accident with a brain injury which resulted in her suffering amnesia and not remembering her last four years.
Gretchen is struggling to remember why she and Jax are emotionally where they presently at without really why Jax hates her so much.
The whole story has a lot of angst and push and pull that ultimately is explained at the end. There was a lot of heartache on both their part and Caleb was a handful ADHD child but very loving. Gretchen’s sister Amanda was very supportive and sweet. Their friends Wyatt and Carlie were also great characters and even though you want to not like Meredith you can’t help but feel bad for her being in the middle of this angst.
This was indeed one of Ulrich’s best story.
Gretchen had an accident with a brain injury which resulted in her suffering amnesia and not remembering her last four years.
Gretchen is struggling to remember why she and Jax are emotionally where they presently at without really why Jax hates her so much.
The whole story has a lot of angst and push and pull that ultimately is explained at the end. There was a lot of heartache on both their part and Caleb was a handful ADHD child but very loving. Gretchen’s sister Amanda was very supportive and sweet. Their friends Wyatt and Carlie were also great characters and even though you want to not like Meredith you can’t help but feel bad for her being in the middle of this angst.
This was indeed one of Ulrich’s best story.
April 17, 2020
This book really gave me all the feels, and it's been a while since I had a reaction to anything so it's been quite the surprise. A brilliant story with a great cast of characters by Ullrich!
On another note, Ullrich and Aurora Rey are mates, and I dig the character of baby Aurora in this book. At least, I’d like to think the two go hand in hand here.
On another note, Ullrich and Aurora Rey are mates, and I dig the character of baby Aurora in this book. At least, I’d like to think the two go hand in hand here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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